T J "John" Condit

Mt. Morris, IL, T.J. "John" Condit changed addresses at 10:15 AM this past Thursday, December 25, "Christmas morn." He moved from East Lincoln Street in Mt. Morris, IL where he lived and raised his family for the past forty-six years, to heaven's celestial shores to join his parents, his in-laws, his four oldest sisters and three of their husbands, his beloved wife, Mary Lee of fifty-nine years, and their youngest child, Scott. Most importantly, though, he heard the words every Christian longs to hear, "Well done, my child, welcome home!" John was born October 11, 1931 in Mayville, ND to B.W. "Jeff" and Nettie (Nelson) Condit. He was the sixth and youngest child, joining his five older sisters. In high school, John moved with his family to Clark, SD. He graduated from high school in Clark, then served in the Army during the Korean War. After serving, he attended and graduated from South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. He was proud to be a "Jack Rabbit." During the war, John's mother died, necessitating a trip home, where soon after he met a "looker" from western MN, who had cared for his mother during her final weeks of life. John and Mary Lee were married in September 6, 1953. The couple lived in Brookings for nearly eight years, while John finished college and they started their family. After college, with a degree in printing, and a short stint of teaching at SDSU, John accepted the offer to go into the printing industry in Mt. Morris, IL. John joined the team of Kable Printing in 1961, with four young kids in tow, where he worked till 1995, retiring from the Customer Service Department. John was always active in the community, from coaching youth sports with his kids, to the golf course where he was an average (at best) golfer, due mainly to being left-handed, to the Cemetery Board, to his local church, Trinity Lutheran in Mt. Morris, to LOMC, to Loaves and Fishes food pantry, to the Senior Citizen Center, to various and sundry card games in town, and to many activities and projects in between. John was also a long-time member of the Moose Club. His children remember wearing shirts saying, "My Dad is a Moose!" Most knew John as a "good guy," always greeting everyone with a pleasant, cheerful, often playful greeting. Indeed, he was blessed with an encouraging spirit. He will be greatly missed and treasured forever. John is survived by his sister, Beverly (and Ed) Clausen of Clark, SD, one brother-in-law, Gerry Spies, of St. Petersburg, FL, his daughters, Julie (and Rick) Robinson of Mt. Morris, Connie (and Ken) Blatner of North Aurora, his son, Jeff (and Natalie) Condit of Moline, along with 8 grandsons, 1 granddaughter, a growing host of great grandchildren, many loved nieces & nephews, and countless friends. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember John are encouraged to make a gift of love to their favorite charity. Trinity Lutheran, Pinecrest Manor, Serenity Hospice and many other fine local nonprofits would appreciate the help in John's memory. A visitation is scheduled for December 31 at 9:30 AM in the chapel of Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Morris, with a worship service of celebration at 11 AM with Rev. Frank Lay. Graveside service will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris, IL, concluding with a luncheon at Trinity Lutheran. Those attending are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Loaves and Fishes food pantry where John faithfully served each week to the very end of his earthly life. The family of John Condit would like to thank the Mt. Morris and surrounding community, and their extended family throughout the country, for loving and enjoying John and Mary Lee during their lifetimes and specifically the 53 years lived in Mt. Morris. The red brick house next to Trinity Lutheran will soon have a new story to tell, but for the last forty six years, the Condit family has loved being a part of your lives. To God be the glory! Indeed, it is well with John's soul!